MINISTRY TOOLS OF MATTHEW
The facility of Emanuel Mexico Mission is a ministry tool straight out of the book of Matthew. For over 50 years, it has helped children, youth and adults. For the past 30 years, it has housed the Ontañon Church of Christ, another place for children, youth and adults to come and hear the Gospel preached. Because it is located in the inner city that provides us with many challenges and opportunities to serve those that are living in poverty, overcrowded housing, gangs, drug related needs and the like. But that does not detour us from sharing all that God has blessed us with. Food, water, clothes and medical needs are just a few examples how we help our neighbors in need. When the city cuts off our water supply to the inner city, which happens many times throughout the year, our neighbors come to us for this major need. We have two large underground water tanks and three roof top tanks. Enough to supply us all during those tough dry desert months. We provide clothes through our annual open door bazaar and food drives give us the opportunity to meet face to face with those in need and simply lend a helping hand. We help with medical needs in the neighborhood. One great example was the past two years as we provided housing to families and individuals in need of special housing during the Covid crisis. We housed several infected individuals and families that needed a safe clean place to quarantine. The facility is large enough to house individuals separately but at the same time continue to maintain our church services and give Jose a secure place to live within the mission. We provide medicines when the opportunity is there and take people to and from doctor appointments when necessary. Another tool of ministry that we provide is outside the facility and with that we need our transportation tools. A 2003 compact Chevy and 2015 VW van keep us safely on the move . The ministry has been involved in the teaching opportunities of Colegio Cristiano del Centro (Central Christian College) since its conception in 1974. Jose is no exception to that rule. This semester Jose is teaching three classes: Hebrew History II, Apologetics, James and I and II Peter combined. He was struggling each day to take his computer and TV screen to his classes for teaching purposes, Tuesday through Friday. But thanks to the Shining Light class of the Markle Church of Christ, Markle, Indiana, and their bi-monthly gift we were able to provide Jose with a new ministry tool, a projector to better teach his students who are eager to learn. The projector will be a great asset and ministry tool at the college but also in our church classrooms, camps, VBS and other children's activities. God has given us the ministry tools we need to share the Gospel in a variety of ways and it is our responsibility to use them wisely. With that being said we are very proud to say that 100% of all gifts given to E.M.M. goes directly to Mexico and the opportunities we have to share the Gospel. Jose receives his salary and medical needs through the ministry. We maintain the facility with your funds. Autos are kept in the best possible condition at all times and our evangelism opportunities are unending. There is a food expense column which provides food for those in need. We have two part time staff members who diligently work to help in the office and with maintainence and cleaning of the facility. Matthew 25:35-36 In a nut shell, we are simply following Christ´s example of sharing with others in need, feeding those that need fed, a cup of water to those that thirst, help provide shelter when needed, praying with the sick when they need a helping hand and we have been in the prisons as well visiting when called upon. Thank you for helping us be the Ministry Tools of Matthew to the inner city of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Jose - Field Director David and Sheri - Mission Directors Emanuel Mexico Mission 2950 E. - 350 N. Bluffton, IN 76714 "WELL DONE, WELL DONE"
The following is a missionary tribute to my father who served unselfishly with us as a steadfast and quiet voice cheering us on for over 30 years as we served on the mission field. An American farm boy and farmer, a Korean war veteran who fought on the front lines as a Tank Platoon Sergeant of the 73rd Heavy Tank Battalion, a successful salesman for 60 years, a father of three boys, a loving husband for 69 years, and a missionary dad who once told his doctor, "I´m too busy for this operation, I have missionary work to do." Needless to say, he missed his last trip to Mexico and followed his doctor´s orders. That was my dad, Floyd W. S. DeBolt, who passed away at the age of 93, on January 10, 2022. He loved living the country life, he served his country with honor and we never missed a Sunday going to church including Sunday School, no matter how bad the winters would get. He proudly served as a church trustee and church deacon at the Markle Church of Christ, Markle, Indiana. The small 40 acre farm that he loved to till and harvest was a place for all our city cousins to spend their summers helping us walk and hoe the fields, bale straw and bale hay. His success as a salesman was well known as he not only sold furniture, he sold with confidence the product he was selling and with every sale he made a friend. He once took his 3 speed on the column, 1963 Chevy pickup to Joplin, Missouri. He loaded up his truck to take Dick and Eunice and their 3 little boys so Dick could study at Ozark Bible College. Twenty four years later, he would load up his truck once again and help his middle son and their family of three little girls as they began their missionary journey at Cincinnati Bible College and later to Mexico. He never complained, never said when ya coming home. There were many a tear shed each time we left to go back to serve. We knew he was proud but we also knew down deep inside he was hurting as we boarded each flight. He taught us to live with no regrets and that we´ve done as we said our final goodbye that early January morning in his home at River Terrace. Thank you dad for teaching life´s most basic skills on that small plot of ground near Zanesville, Indiana. For serving with honor and dignity your country during war times. For making each one of your boys work as you did at Sears Roebuck and Co., by saying, I want more for you but at least you will have learned how I provided for our family". You and mom were a team for over 69 years and you both taught us the joy of giving to missionaries that visited our church each year. You would say, "take the quarter you earn each week and give it back to God." "Well, done, well done My good and faithful one Welcome to the place where you belong Well done, well done My beloved child" (words from the song, Well Done, by the Afters) He recieved full military honors on January 14, 2022. An American flag was draped over his casket, he recieved an honorable 21 gun salute for his military service, Army taps were played in his honor and his great grandson, Alexander David Lobo, who is now serving in the military, helped fold the American flag that covered his great grandfathers casket, Honor where honor is due. I truly believe that missionary parents sacrifice much more than their missionary children. They sacrifice time not spent with their children, grandchildren, holidays with empty chairs at the table and special family gatherings throughout the year. They sacrifice their time making sure their children are not forgotten by the churches that support them. They sacrifice their personal income. Dozens if not hundreds of letters written each year always sent with love. Countless stamps and mailings for the ministry are a labor of love not a burden. The list is nearly endless in the love and sacrifice they give. I´ll close with a few lines from a song called, Nothing to prove by Phillips, Craig and Dean "So many things I learned from you ´Bout life and love and play But I learned more by how you lived Than what I heard you say Saying live with no excuses Live with no regrets Laugh a lot and leave this life With nothing left unsaid Make this world a better place Don´t be afraid to cry When it´s finally time to say goodbye There´s nothing´ to prove, nothing´ to lose Nothing´ to hide I only wanna live my life Half as well as you To leave behind what I recieve Is all I wanna do" Thank you dad for giving your very best to the Lord, to your family, to your country, to your church and to the many who you never met but were touched by your love and generosity. I´m sure there were many to greet you that early January morning and many more will some day say, "Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was saved." (words from the song, Thank You, by Ray Boltz) "WELL DONE, WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL ONE WELCOME TO THE PLACE WHERE YOU BELONG WELL, DONE, WELL DONE MY BELOVED CHILD" Emanuel Mexico Mission David and Sheri DeBolt - Directors Jose Manuel Gonzalez - Field Director |
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